Nutrition

Pre-Operative Diet

You went for your initial appointment and have booked a surgery date- now is the time to start getting prepared for the big day. You should get everything ready in advance, from the protein shakes, to vitamins, to knowing the behavioral changes necessary for success following surgery.

Pre Surgery “Diet”:

Prior to bariatric surgery, you will need to be on a high protein liquid diet. This should start 1-2 weeks before your surgery date, depending on what the doctor recommends.

The liquids need to consist of high quality protein shakes, which you can get at the office or order here and have it shipped directly to your house.

It is recommended you drink these as meal substitutions (3 per day). In addition to the protein shakes, it is imperative to drink plenty of water/calorie free beverages to stay hydrated. The goal of the pre operative diet is to shrink your liver and jump start your weight loss!

Vitamins:

8It is crucial that you take good quality, well absorbed vitamins following surgery. Remember, you are eating a fraction of what you ate before and your body needs the nutrients! Plus, you can be at risk for nutrient deficiencies and hair loss. ** You should start taking your vitamins 24 hours after surgery (or when the doctor tells you to start) to help your recovery. Each procedure is recommended a different vitamin regimen. Vitamins are needed not only right after surgery, but for life.

You can have all the vitamins you need in one custom blend. After much research and thought, we have come up with the best blends for each procedure.

Buyers Beware

There are many poor quality supplements/vitamins out there. Both the nutrition facts AND ingredients are important to read. Please consult the doctor or dietitian to find the best regimen for you.

Post Operative Diet

The first few weeks (and of course beyond) after bariatric surgery are extremely important- so you must obey the rules! This is your body’s healing time. Remember, you have the rest of your life to eat. If the rules say full liquids, do not go and eat an apple. The post-surgery meal plan is as follows:

WEEK 1
Clear liquid beverages (calorie/carbonation free) and clear protein supplements. The number one priory this week is hydration: you must make sure you get in plenty of fluids.
WEEK 2
Full liquids – just like the pre op liquid diet. Protein shakes and plenty of clear liquid beverages for hydration.

WEEK 3
Puree

WEEK 4
Soft foods

You will get a handout with these phases in more detail upon discharge from the hospital.

Remember, surgery is just a TOOL and you need to commit to change in order achieve your long term goals.** The true measure of success is keeping the weight off the healthiest way possible. Post surgery visits with the doctor and Dietitian are critical to success following any bariatric procedure. Protein, fats, and carbohydrates all still play a role in your diet, so it is not healthy to avoid any of them or just eating the same foods everyday. Schedule an appointment with our Dietitian if you need a pre-operative or post operative visit, are confused and need direction with your meal plan, or you have reached a plateau that you want to break out of. It will ease your worries! Remember, not one thing works for all. You need an individualized plan based on your lifestyle and nutrition needs.

MONTH 6:
Review session: pre operative diet, weight loss goals, macronutrients, eating during the first few weeks after surgery. Patients will purchase more pre op shakes and vitamins as needed. Last minute questions will be answered. Schedule follow up with RD for 3 weeks post op.

**The information on this website is not an alternative to medical advice from your regular physician. Our health advice is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment; consult your regular physician before beginning the bariatric process. This site is for educational purposes only, and does not replace the need for a formal consultation with a surgeon before undergoing a surgical procedure or receiving treatment. The content/images on this website are not a guarantee of individual results. Individual results may vary.